TLDR Ovarian hyperthecosis can cause symptoms even with normal testosterone levels, and surgery can improve these symptoms.
This case series discussed two postmenopausal women with symptoms of hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities due to ovarian hyperthecosis, despite having normal imaging and subdiagnostic testosterone levels. Both underwent bilateral oophorectomy based on clinical suspicion, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Post-surgery, both patients showed improvement in symptoms and insulin resistance. The study highlighted the need for further research into the disease's pathophysiology and reconsideration of diagnostic testosterone thresholds, emphasizing the importance of considering ovarian hyperthecosis in similar clinical presentations.
20 citations
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October 2017 in “Clinical Endocrinology” The conclusion is that removing both ovaries is the best treatment for excess male hormones in postmenopausal women, with medication as another option, and managing insulin resistance is important for diagnosis and treatment.
12 citations
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January 2009 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” A postmenopausal woman's hair loss and excess hair growth improved after surgery for ovarian hyperthecosis.
135 citations
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August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
Hyperandrogenism is diagnosed using clinical signs, lab tests, and imaging.
2 citations
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July 2012 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” A 12-year-old girl with very high testosterone and insulin resistance improved with birth control pills, suggesting PCOS can cause high testosterone without tumors.
85 citations
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June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
